George Lucas’ “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” has a clear set-up/pay-off as the reason for its existence: young, innocent child Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) will grow up to become Darth Vader, a manifestation of evil. The movie’s entire reason for existence is ultimately to introduce us to this child and make us think about how far we are from the fall of the Republic, and how the Empire will arise in only a generation. These were major stakes and not a bad place to get fans excited for the first new “Star Wars” movie in 16 years.
‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’ Fandom Lives in 2 Different Realities | Commentary
There are those who saw “Episode 1” when it first hit theaters, and those who came to it with a wealth of animated lore to enhance the story
